Training MedCity Andy Style

Another podcast episode is up.  In this one I describe how I come across my training plans, how I determined what I should do during the time between structured plans and how I the training plans have changed how I've thought about running.

Podcast Episode # 4!

I've put up and recorded episode number 4 of the MedCity Andy Podcast! In this episode I talk about what I use as motivation for going running-- not why I run but what helps me run: the music/podcasts I listen to and how I have determined to keep going.

I've also decided that I'm definitely going to run the half marathon in November (I should really sign up for it) and that I'd like to do at least one longer race between now and then. I figure that I'll either find a 10k or do the TC 10 Miler in October and one other race between now and October-- aside from the WWFoR Zen10K that I've committed to. This will leave me plenty of time to train for and run a full marathon in either January or March (maybe February depending on my schedule in the spring).

The joys of dailymile

I've started to get hooked on the entire aspect that is the "daily mile." I don't know why I've gotten so caught up in it, but it has quickly become something that I enjoy looking at and checking up on- similarly to the way that I enjoy checking my twitter feed and all of that jazz. There's something reassuring about the idea that there is a whole community of runners (slow, middle of the pack or otherwise) that are going through the same trials and tribulations that I am with my running. Its even more exciting to know that there are so many runners that are also so willing to offer a helping hand and give advice about this that and the other. All in all, I'm a big fan of the entire thing.  I've also got my wife to sign up and track her swimming -- she is not a runner in any way shape or form in the same way that I am not a swimmer (I'm a sinker). Very exciting stuff!

Please, I encourage you to join the dailymile if you haven't as of yet and if you have, I invite you to be my friend.

Running the trails in Rochester

A few things in this entry:
1) A new podcast episode is up! Find it on iTunes (search for medcity) or you can click on the link above to directly download it.

2) Since I was talking about the trails in Rochester on the podcast I figured that I would put up some photos so that all of you would be able to see the beauty that I'm able to run upon on a daily (or 4/7 weekly) basis. Please excuse the photos, they were all actually taken via phone on the run (no stopping).

 The bridge over Cascade Creek.

 Both of the previous are of the trail.

The railroad crossing.  Its quite frightening to go under while a trail is there.  I try to avoid the trains as much as possible-- they're quite loud and make the bridge seem like it will break.

iTunes Approval!

My podcast was approved by iTunes! If you'd like to listen to my podcast, please go ahead and subscribe. Write a review. Be nice!
Med City Andy on iTunes

Otherwise, you can follow my podcast by linking to the feed:
http://medcityandy.netau.net/podcast.xml

You can also follow me on dailymile: Dailymile

Podcast Episode #2

My second episode of the podcast looks at my running of the Minneapolis Half Marathon yesterday! I completed the race and achieved my goal. I am quite proud of my accomplishment and can say that if I can run a half marathon so can you! In the episode, I  go over my thoughts about the race, before, during and after the race and a little about the rest of my experience with the Minneapolis Half Marathon. After that I go into my plans (or lack there of) for the rest of the summer. Right now, I plan on recovering from the run (which I am doing nicely so far) and possibly do a 5k with a friend of mine later on in June/July. Otherwise I don't have anything on the docket until much later. If anyone is running a race within a few hours drive of Rochester and would like someone to run with, leave me a comment and I'll be glad to go with you (or cheer you on) if I can.

A hot and humid day

Well it seems like summer is once again rearing its ugly humid and sticky head here in the Med City. As I have said before, I'm not that big of a fan of summer. Sure I like the sunshine and the flowers but the humidity is awful and the high temperatures are not pleasant-- especially for running!

Today I did a 2 miler, I took it out too fast-- probably proof that my taper is actually working, but then I took it back in a reasonable speed for me. I wasn't very happy with the run but I was satisfied. The worst aspect of the whole thing was that I sweat like I had been running for twice the distance! I know-- gross, but its the truth and one of the facts of being a stocky guy built for cold and blustery winters rather than the hot and humid summer.

They've made the forecast for my race even better! Only 78° as a high on Sunday with dew points in the low 50s!!!

Thats all for now.

Until next time,
-Med City Andy

The Debut of Med City Andy

In this podcast, MedCity Andy describes his motivation for podcasting, a brief history of his running and physical activities that have lead him to where he is and the half-marathon he plans on running this weekend. He also opines for a short bit on the tools he uses while training and plugs the Slow Runners Club, a podcast he listens to while running, doing yard work and while commuting.

This podcast is a view into the ruminations, ramblings and rants of an admittedly stocky fellow who has randomly decided to take up the sport of running.